Lesson 11: “He Spake Many Things unto Them in Parables”

What is the meaning of the parable of the sower? (See Matthew 13:3–8, 18–23.) Why do you think the parable focuses more on the ground than on the sower or the seed?

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What invitation did Jesus extend after he presented the parable of the sower? (See Matthew 13:9.) What do you think the word hear means in this invitation? What does it mean to see but see not and to hear but hear not? (See Matthew 13:13–15.)

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The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven are about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 98–100). How have you seen the work of God increase as illustrated by these parables?

Obtain 14 small pieces of paper. On each piece of paper write one of the following phrases, which relate to the parable of the wheat and the tares: (1) the sower, (2) the Lord and his Apostles, (3) the good seed, (4) the righteous members of the Church, (5) the field, (6) the world, (7) the tares, (8) the wicked, (9) the enemy, (10) the devil, (11) the harvest, (12) the end of the world, (13) the reapers, and (14) the angels. To review the parable of the wheat and the tares, mix the pieces of paper. Have family members match the persons, objects, and actions in the parable with their meanings. You may want to read Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 and Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7 as you conduct this discussion.